The Key to Successful Cobra Kai Spinoffs: What You Need to Know

Though the popular series Cobra Kai has concluded, the captivating saga of The Karate Kid is far from finished, with exciting spinoff opportunities on the horizon — contingent on a crucial element.

The inception of Cobra Kai raised skepticism among fans. The journey began with a 2015 YouTube video that proposed Johnny Lawrence was the actual hero of The Karate Kid, relegating Daniel LaRusso to the role of an antagonistic outsider who disrupted Johnny’s life.

Inspired by this reinterpretation, writer-producers Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg developed a contemporary narrative featuring a now down-on-his-luck Johnny grappling with the pain of his past, particularly the infamous crane kick delivered by Daniel — a move that many fans argue was questionable at best.

Initially, the series debuted on YouTube when the platform was still tentatively exploring scripted content. However, after being picked up by Netflix, the series found its stride, producing 65 episodes over six successful seasons, garnering a dedicated fan base and impressive viewership.

The Future of the Miyagiverse

Danny and Johnny in Cobra Kai Season 6 Part 3 — Netflix

Netflix’s interest in maximizing its subscriber base suggests that Cobra Kai may not be at its conclusion. Back in 2022, Jon Hurwitz hinted at the continuation of the Miyagiverse, stating via Twitter: “we expect more Cobra Kai to come and that the Miyagiverse is far from finished.”

In a December 2024 interview with Collider, Hayden Schlossberg expressed optimism for the series’ future: “I think you’re going to, hopefully, finish the series and feel like you want more…” He indicated that there would be opportunities to explore characters’ backstories or potential futures. Meanwhile, Josh Heald added in an interview with Rolling Stone that they intentionally left “certain fruit on the vine…for ourselves or for another generation to come along and reimagine a story.”

Brainstorming Potential Spinoffs

The Cobra Kai team ready for their tournament. — Netflix

For any spinoff to thrive, it must revolve around Johnny Lawrence. Despite only being featured in the original The Karate Kid and briefly in its sequel, Johnny is a character who audiences have come to love, to the point where the show’s quality dipped during his absence.

Cobra Kai introduced a diverse cast of young characters, including Miguel, Robby, Sam, and Tory. While their intertwined love lives and rivalries were initially engaging, the story arcs soon grew repetitive, diminishing the novelty of their conflicts and relationships.

The Sekai Taikai tournament is back in this exclusive clip from Cobra Kai Season 6, Part 3. The final part of Cobra Kai will premiere on Netflix, February 13th pic.twitter.com/TE2nc7LeJS

— ScreenTime (@screentime) February 12, 2025

Discussions have surfaced about a potential spinoff focusing on Demetri and Eli, two characters crucial for early-season tension and later comic relief. However, developing them into compelling leads for a standalone series poses significant challenges, as they have not achieved enough depth to captivate audiences individually.

Moreover, while Daniel LaRusso has nostalgia attached to him, he has transitioned into a comparatively lackluster character. His engaging dynamics with Mr. Miyagi during the original trilogy largely defined him, yet in Cobra Kai, he often appears discontent, prioritizing complaints over character growth. There were fleeting moments of intrigue when memories of Miyagi resurfaced, yet these instances highlight his reliance on past connections to generate interest.

Johnny Lawrence: The Heart of the Franchise

The cast of Netflix's Cobra Kai — Netflix

Johnny remains a character teeming with complexity. Once a privileged high school athlete, he now endures the burdens of regret and self-doubt. His humorous attempts to engage with modern technology, coupled with his fondness for nostalgic action films, offer comedic relief. Beneath his tough exterior lies genuine concern for his Cobra Kai students, making him relatable and endearing to viewers.

To ensure the ongoing success of the Miyagiverse, any forthcoming narratives should center on Johnny. Creating a sequel series that explores his journey through married life while adapting to the responsibilities of fatherhood could generate a compelling continuation of his character development. Just as The Karate Kid thrived under the mentorship of Mr. Miyagi, the essence of Cobra Kai‘s appeal hinges on the vulnerability and resilience of Johnny Lawrence.

All six seasons of Cobra Kai are available for streaming on Netflix. For more in-depth content, check out our recap of Cobra Kai Season 6 Part 3, along with articles diving into the notable nods to Rocky and Back to the Future, alongside insights into Mr. Miyagi’s storied past.

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